White Ball Python: Morphs, Genetics & Care Guide [2026]

What Is a White Ball Python?

White ball pythons are some of the most visually striking snakes in the hobby. Unlike albinos (which are yellow and orange), white ball pythons are leucistic — meaning they lack most pigmentation, resulting in a clean, solid white body. Several different genetic pathways can produce this appearance, with the Blue Eyed Lucy and Ivory being the most popular.

Types of White Ball Pythons

Blue Eyed Lucy (BEL)

The Blue Eyed Lucy is the most coveted white ball python in the hobby. It is produced by combining two co-dominant genes from the same "BEL complex" in their super forms. The BEL complex includes:

• Butter / Lesser — Cream super form, blue eyes
• Mojave — White with slight blue or gray tinting, blue eyes
• Russo — Similar to mojave
• Phantom — White with possible blue or purple dorsal stripe, blue eyes

Any combination of two genes from this complex will produce a Blue Eyed Lucy. The exact pairing determines whether the BEL has a completely clean white appearance or shows subtle dorsal patterns.

Ivory (Super Yellow Belly)

The Ivory is the super form of the yellow belly gene:

• Appearance: Creamy white to pale yellow base, thin yellow-brown dorsal stripe
• Eyes: Dark (not blue)
• Price range: $100-$250
• One of the most affordable white-toned ball pythons

Black Eyed Lucy

The Black Eyed Lucy is the super form of the fire or black pastel genes:

• Appearance: Solid white body
• Eyes: Solid black (no pupils visible)
• Price range: $150-$400

Leucistic (True Leucistic)

True leucistic ball pythons are produced by a recessive gene:

• Appearance: Pure white body
• Eyes: Dark brown or black
• Genetics: Recessive — both parents must carry the gene
• Price range: $500-$2,000+
• Rarer than BEL morphs because of the recessive genetics

Genetics at a Glance

Care Requirements

White ball pythons require the same husbandry as any other ball python. The morph gene does not affect health or temperament:

• Enclosure: 40-gallon minimum; a 4x2x2 ft PVC enclosure is ideal for adults
• Temperature: Basking spot 88-92°F; cool side 76-80°F
• Humidity: 55-65%; raise to 75-80% during shed cycle
• Feeding: Pre-killed or frozen/thawed rodents every 7-14 days for adults
• Hides: Provide at least two hides (warm side and cool side)

One practical consideration: white ball pythons show dirt and substrate more visibly than patterned snakes, so enclosures may require more frequent cleaning to maintain their appearance.

Price Guide

Breeding Tips

To produce a BEL, pair any two morphs from the same BEL complex:

• Butter x Lesser → 25% BEL, 50% butter or lesser, 25% normal
• Mojave x Butter → 25% BEL, 50% visual morphs, 25% normal
• Butter x Butter → 25% super butter (BEL), 50% butter, 25% normal

Each BEL combination produces offspring with subtly different white tones and eye coloration, allowing breeders to customize the appearance of their white ball pythons.

Conclusion

White ball pythons are some of the most beautiful snakes in the reptile hobby. Whether you choose an affordable Ivory, a popular Blue Eyed Lucy, or invest in a rare true leucistic, these snakes are stunning, healthy, and make excellent display animals. All white morphs are beginner-friendly and require no special care beyond standard ball python husbandry.